Mec 700 Versamec, to buy or not?

[msta999]

I am new to reloading for shotgun. I have been reading about the MEC 600 Jr and started looking for one. Then I came across a Mec 700 Versamec with lots of accessories for 100.00. I have not been able to find out much about the MEC 700, seems like most talk about the others. My question is, is this a machine worth getting? Is it any good?

Here is what the guy told me about:

"Mec 700 (Versamec) 12 ga. loader with many
accessories (charge bars, Univeral charge bar, bushings, powder scale, powder,
shot (lead) hulls and wads, primers, reloading books, owner's manual, etc) It
is set up for 2 3/4" reloading, but it may be adjusted to do 3" also. I just
never loaded any 3" rounds with it. I used to shoot trap and duck hunt a lot,
but have gotten away from it. I can send you some pictures of everything. I
will sell it all for $100."

I was going to jump on it, but wanted to check with the "Pro's" first.

 

[msta999]

I have search the net for reviews on the MEC 700 and found none. Seems only a few even say they own this loader and don't say anything else about it. With that, sounds like this is not a very popular loader and there has to be a reason, so I will just keep looking for a MEC 600 Jr, which seems to be the most popular.

 

[Steve C]

If you want a shotgun shell reloader there's no reason not to buy it. You will be saving a couple $100 compared to a new MEC 600 if you count the accessories.

The MEC 700 is similar to the MEC 600 Jr with a few added features. Here is a good description: MEC-700-VERSAMEC-Shotshell-Reloading-Press

The 600 is a great reloader and there's no reason the 700 isn't just as good or maybe a tad bit better with the added features.

 

[msta999]

Steve,
thanks for the info, I couldn't find anything on it. It sounds better now, I'll take a look at it.
Just kind of odd, seems like no one is talking about it.

 

[dogrunner]

The 700's are good and reliable loading machines............picked one up in 20 a couple of years ago & converted it to 16 for an old double I own. Never a hitch or problem.........as stated, nearly the same as the 600. Sounds like the deal you were offered is not bad.

 

[Nowhere Man]

I also have a Versamec in 12ga. No problems at all.

All that for $100 is a good deal.


Dave

 

[NCsmitty]

Mec still has an extensive parts listing for the 700 Versamec, so it's reassuring to know that it's not obsolete.
I would certainly consider purchasing the unit, if it was offered, especially with all the extra stuff.



NCsmitty

 

[Tacoma]

While I would not discourage anybody from reloading for enjoyment, I would caution you to check component prices in your area. Back when I shot 100-300 rounds a week in Trap, I started with a great little Mec 650 and eventually graduated to a full progressive Hornady 360. However 7-8 years ago, my WHOLESALE price of hulls,shot,primers, wads and powder started climbing to teh point that it cost more than the retail price of 100 shells from Wall-Mart. It became apparent that I was spending allot of time, energy and $ than if I bought new bulk packs.

No Idea what prices are now ( I still have 1000 shells reloaded but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[meadmkr]

I got a Mec 650 coming for Dad's Day to upgrade from the Mec Jr which has had about 50 boxes put through it so far.

Cost savings? Not a whole lot for my 20g but it can be a LOT for 16, 28 & 410 as well as specialty loads (low recoil or 3/4oz skeet loads). I don't just reload just for any savings but rather have worked up a few loads that run through multiple shotguns, shot after shot and pattern very nicely. My SA20 won't shoot Winchester or Rio promo loads and doesn't cycle reliably with them and Federal are dirty as all get out! Several of my local WW sell out of the Rem Gun Clubs in 20g so its also about availability when _I NEED them_. The expense these days is mostly in the shot and that is seemingly going down a bit. When it does I'll likely buy several hundred pounds to have it onhand.

Like many of us I reload because I enjoy it and I like to think that it keeps some plastic out of the landfill (so far got 5 reloads in my Rem STS hulls) and I usually get 2-3 reloads out of the Gun Clubs or Win Universal hulls my buddies shoot.

Cheers
Chris in VA

 

[Nowhere Man]

Tacoma does bring up a valid point. My cost to reload 12ga is ~ $16/100. That's not much savings over WalMarts value boxes.


Dave

 

[msta999]

I just talked to one guy and will pick up the mec 700 and everything that goes with it Sat.
Here is a pic of some of it.


There is also a big box of hulls.

 

[oneounceload]

I reload 12, 20 and 28 - my average cost across all three gauges is $3.25/box for BETTER reloads than the cheap POS wally world promo loads

The 700, while not current, is a great machine that will allow you to either save money or shoot more for the same amount of cash

 

[copdills]

I say its a great deal its all steel construction , except for the finger guides and they last along time but wil need to be replaced just like a oil filter on your vehicle (regular maintance) and are still available I get mine from Midway usa

copdills